Fansided

NFL franchise tag players: Who gets signed?

By Matt Verderame

Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) in the field during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) in the field during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs free safety Eric Berry (29) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Houston Texans during the first quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs free safety Eric Berry (29) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Houston Texans during the first quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Eric Berry

The Kansas City Chiefs rallied from a 1-5 start last season to somehow go 11-5 and win their first playoff game in 22 years, smoking the Houston Texans by a 30-0 score. Berry was a huge part of that season, miraculously coming back from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in less than eight months to play in all 16 regular-season contests and both playoff tilts.

This offseason, general manager John Dorseya pplied the tag to Berry, paying him $10.8 million in 2016. However, look for a deal to get done on both sides. Dorsey has been quoted as saying that he has had productive discussions with Berry’s representation and expects to get a long-term deal done by the July 15 deadline.

We have precedent here as well. Last year, Dorsey said much of the same about outside linebacker Justin Houston and delivered, signing him to a six-year deal worth $101 million. Berry is the heart and soul of the Chiefs, so it would be nothing short of stunning if he’s not kept around for the foreseeable future.

Coming off an First-Team All-Pro season and his fourth trip to the Pro Bowl keeping Berry won’t be cheap. That said, a new deal will actually lower his cap hit this season, helping Kansas City which only has more cap space than the New Orleans Saints.

Verdict: Signs five-year, $50 million deal with $28 million guaranteed

Next: Von Miller

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